Effective October 15, 2025, Fortinet has rolled out major enhancements to its NSE Certification Program, reintroducing the NSE 1–8 progression model and realigning certification tracks to reflect evolving cybersecurity roles and technologies.
As someone committed to continuous learning and aligning technical depth with business strategy, I see this update as a strategic opportunity for professionals to future-proof their credentials and deepen cross-solution expertise.
What’s Changing?
NSE 1–8 Progression Reinstated
All exams now clearly reflect their level within the NSE framework. Digital badges will automatically update via Credly, with no impact on existing certifications.
New Track Alignment
Tracks now map directly to core technology domains:
| Exam Level | Secure Networking | SASE | Cloud Security | Security Operations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSE 1–2 | Fundamentals | |||
| NSE 3 | FortiGate Operator | |||
| NSE 4–5 | FortiOS + One NSE 5 | FortiSASE Core | FortiWeb Admin | FortiAnalyzer, Sandbox |
| NSE 6–7 | LAN Edge, OT, SD-WAN | FortiSASE Enterprise | Public Cloud Architect | Security Ops Architect |
| NSE 8 | Written + Practical |
Certification Path Updates
- Professional = NSE 4 + One NSE 5 (Now renamed by domain: e.g., Professional in Secure Networking)
- Solution Specialist = One NSE 6 + One NSE 7 (Now renamed by domain: e.g., Solution Specialist in Cloud Security)
- Expert = NSE 8 Written + Practical
Retired Exams (Courses Remain Available)
- FortiAuthenticator Administrator
- FortiAnalyzer Administrator
- AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Security Administrator
OT Security Architect is now part of the Secure Networking track. Holders can upgrade by completing the NSE 7 Enterprise Firewall exam before expiry.
Why This Matters
- Reflects industry evolution—from SASE to cloud-native security
- Supports cross-functional learning—ideal for hybrid IT roles
- Streamlines certification clarity—easier for employers and professionals to map skills to roles
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